Warnings for litterbugs [1]
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 18:13
Litterbugs have yet to fined for littering by the Environment Department in Nuku’alofa since the enforcement of an Environment Management (Litter and Waste Control) Regulations 2016, that came into force on 1 April, in Tonga - but they have been warned.
The campaign aimed to keep Tonga clean relies on this regulation to fine those who are caught littering or disposing of waste illegally.
Although no one has been fined Environmental Officers had last week during a field visit to main areas in Nuku’alofa issued warning to over 10 people for littering.
"We went on the site visit accompanied by Tonga Police and found these people and issued them warning as a first time. We expect to have another site inspection this week and do the same thing," said a spokesperson from the Environment Deparment today.
Other partners like Tonga Police, Waste Authority and the Ministry of Health officers also have powers to issue fines for littering.
The litter enforcement is effective for ‘Eua, Tongatapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u and the Niuas with fines from $20 per infringement to $2,000, depending on the severity of the infringement.
Spot fines are also options that could be implemented by the enforcement officers.